World Hearing Day 2025: Changing Mindsets for Better Hearing Health
World Hearing Day, held annually on March 3rd, is a global event led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care. This year’s theme, “Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!”, highlights the importance of shifting attitudes towards hearing health and taking proactive steps to prevent hearing loss.
Hearing loss affects millions worldwide, yet many cases are preventable. Therefore, early detection, awareness, and workplace safety measures can make a significant difference. This World Hearing Day, let’s focus on how noise exposure in the workplace contributes to hearing loss—and what we can do to prevent it.
How Noise Exposure Impacts Hearing Health
Excessive noise is one of the leading causes of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a condition that is both irreversible and entirely
preventable. In particular, many workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transport are at risk of long-term hearing damage. The consequences of high noise levels include:
- Permanent Hearing Damage – Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels can gradually destroy hearing.
- Reduced Workplace Safety – Difficulty hearing warnings, alarms, or colleagues can increase the risk of accidents.
- Increased Stress and Fatigue – Constant noise exposure contributes to anxiety, reduced concentration, and lower productivity.
For this reason, protecting hearing at work is not just about regulatory compliance—it’s about safeguarding overall employee well-being.
The Role of Noise Monitoring in Hearing Loss Prevention
To effectively prevent workplace hearing loss, noise monitoring plays a crucial role in managing risks. By regularly assessing noise levels, businesses can take proactive measures to protect employees from harmful exposure.
Our qualified and experienced staff utilise a combination of static noise testing and personal dose monitoring to obtain accurate records of noise exposure. By interviewing at-risk employees during monitoring, we estimate personal daily noise exposure and recommend appropriate hearing protection. Following the assessment, we provide a detailed noise risk assessment report and guide you through necessary actions, which may include:
- Engineering Controls: Implementing low-noise machinery, enclosures, barriers, or damping techniques.
- Administrative Controls: Designing jobs to reduce noise exposure, such as job rotation or scheduling changes.
- Hearing Protection Zones: Establishing designated areas where hearing protection is mandatory.
- Health Surveillance Programs: Monitoring employees’ hearing over time to detect early signs of damage.
Regular noise assessments are essential, especially when:
- Employees are exposed to noise levels over 80dB(A) and are known to be at risk (e.g., existing hearing loss or heightened sensitivity).
- Exposure exceeds 85dB(A).
Commitment to Hearing Conservation
On World Hearing Day 2025, we are reminded of the critical importance of hearing health. Peritus Health Management is dedicated to assisting businesses in safeguarding their employees’ hearing through:
- Comprehensive Noise Risk Assessments: Identifying and evaluating noise hazards in the workplace.
- Tailored Hearing Conservation Programs: Developing strategies to mitigate identified risks effectively.
- Ongoing Health Surveillance: Monitoring employees’ hearing to ensure early detection and intervention.
By partnering with us, you can ensure compliance with regulations and, more importantly, protect your workforce’s health and well-being.
Take action this World Hearing Day. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a safer, quieter workplace.
